The inquiry into former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero reflects broader concerns about accountability and governance in the political landscape of Spain. Rooted in the controversial bailout of Plus Ultra airline during the COVID-19 pandemic, these allegations may hold significant implications not only for Zapatero but also for the current administration led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, hinting at deeper issues within Spain’s political fabric.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is currently facing investigations in Spain for alleged influence peddling related to the long-running Plus Ultra airline case. The High Court announced on Tuesday that Zapatero’s office in Madrid was searched, alongside three other locations, as part of this inquiry. The former premier has been summoned to testify on June 2.
This investigation is closely tied to the 2021 state rescue of Plus Ultra, which received 53 million euros (approximately million) from the state holding company SEPI during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case gained further traction in late December, leading to several arrests, including that of businessman Julio Martinez Martinez, commonly referred to as Julito, who is considered vital to unraveling the connections between Plus Ultra and Zapatero.
Zapatero is accused of being a primary advocate for the airline’s bailout and is said to have pressured the Ministry of Transport, then under the leadership of Jose Luis Abalos, to approve the intervention. Scrutiny also involves Julito’s company, Analisis Relevante, which allegedly received funds equivalent to what Plus Ultra later paid to Zapatero. VÃctor de Aldama, a businessman tied to other corruption inquiries, has claimed that Zapatero received 10 million euros (around million) in commissions from this deal.
The bailout has been a subject of political contention, with critics raising valid concerns about the financial stability of Plus Ultra and its ownership ties to Venezuelan businessmen believed to be linked with the government of former President Nicolas Maduro. These concerns have prompted questions about the transparency of the bailout process and potential political influences.
The court’s examination seeks to determine if the aid was properly sanctioned and whether any inappropriate lobbying occurred. Commenting on the investigation, the Andalusian regional president, Juanma Moreno, emphasized that such a process involving a former president is unprecedented and could significantly impact the current government.
Meanwhile, the conservative opposition People’s Party has leveraged the case to intensify scrutiny on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of the Socialist Workers’ Party, to which Zapatero also belongs. Sanchez’s government is already navigating separate corruption investigations involving figures connected to him, including inquiries concerning his wife and brother.
Zapatero, who served as Spain’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011, has historically been a close ally of Sanchez and has faced criticism from the opposition regarding his business and political connections with Venezuela following his exit from office. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing in previous parliamentary hearings and remains resolute in his stance amid the unfolding allegations.
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